McCartney 2 Revisited

[jeffkaufman]

I bought the album at Fisher’s Big Wheel department store in Conneaut, Ohio while at my Grandmother’s shortly after its release in May of 1980; I was 14 and afraid too much mired at the time in more rigid expectations of Paul’s sound production-wise to appreciate the record until a bit later, though I loved (and still love) the artwork… Listening to the record 42 years on, I am immediately brought back to that summer of 1980 when my gathering-appreciation of it began, the mood and tone of the album captivating me as I listened along with George’s wonderful eponymous album from the previous year… SO glad that I purchased several copies of the Super-Deluxe Archive edition at a time when they were virtually being given away…

[wigimonster]

1st McCartney album I purchased as an 11 year old at Sam Goody’s. It’s diversity and unpolished production is what keeps me coming back to this one. My faves being On The Way, Nobody Knows, and Darkroom. Another notch on a catalog that will looked back on years from now with more appreciation.

[JaySpangler]

So unfortunate that Secret Friend wasnt on the original album. I think it would have made an arresting opener for side 2. (We can all agree to disagree on which track or two we might leave off to make room for that.) its such a trippy, experimental piece... maybe my favorite track from the McCartney 2 project. Thankfully these days its part of the archive release!! Thanks for the great videos John!

[akumar]

I was 16 that year and I really liked that song .

[pourlefun]

I absolutely loved this album when it came out - for exactly the reasons you mention. It really seemed like he was just experimenting with some new electronic toys for his own amusement. No pressure, no expectations, no pretensions. I also really liked that the synthesizers sounded like synthesizers and weren't used to mimic something else. I was really shocked to read a negative review in my local newspaper - it didn't occur to me that people wouldn't like it! At the time, the LP also included a 7" single-sided copy of Coming Up (live) that played at 33 RPM.

[FatNorthernBigot]

McCartney 2 was my perfect introduction to popular music. (I was 7). It was downhill from there.

[jamescostigan]

I was 17 when this came out and I have always loved it and it ranks rather high in McCartney rankings and I still listen to it rather often. In spite of the synths, I love it because it is so different. And fun. Not overproduced, which is a good thing.
At the time, I preferred the live Coming Up, as it was #1 in the US in the Summer of 1980, but over the years, I have come to greatly favor the studio version.
Thanks for the video.

[renaud_c_h]

I remember buying the album on release and yes, it still has that summer vibe to it. I'd say in hindsight the only thing that is now annoying is the fact he speeded up his vocals on many tracks and that hasn't really stood the test of time, particularly when his voice sounded great in those days...

[ianreid]

I must admit I didn’t take to this when I first heard it but it has grown on me over the years and now really enjoy it and can see how ahead of its time it was.

[nervo]

Hi John glad you revisited this album a lot of fans dont rate it but personally i love it, especially Coming Up and the lovely Waterfalls... of its time

[xtstevie]

Loved this when first released but quickly went off it for decades but only over the last few years i've started to appreciate it again & for me it's the best of the 3 McCartney albums.... Temporary Secretary has devided opinion on probably more fans than any other of the man's solo work & although never a classic by any means he wasn't scared to try new ideas!! 9/10 for me this album.

[The_Great_Darino]

The first album I bought with ‘my own money’. Coincidentally, I found myself singing ‘Temporary Secretary’ around the house the other day (sorry, John. I know that’s not one of your favorites 😵‍💫).

I wonder if the live version of ‘Coming Up’ was the released version based on how well live ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’ did. Perhaps Paul was a bit leery of how the studio reception would be, thinking then a live version may give it an extra ‘boost’.

Edit: or maybe Paul was being superstitious, as both ‘Maybe…’ and ‘Coming..’ we’re both from his solo work, so he was hoping ‘Coming Up’ live would be as successful as ‘Maybe…’ was 😉

Lastly, I’m guessing it was common place that the live single was included as a 45, as it was when I bought the album.

[tinostabile]

Hi John, always fun to catch up. This single brings back good memories. Love all the analysis and the context you provide. Thank you

[fwnfaa]

Ive always thought it is a great album, i love the way Macca try new ways in musicland, Frozen Jap, Front parlour, Coming up what a track, One of these days great ballad, nice video.

[jamesfair]

Some of Paul's music takes awhile to grow on you like some on this album. I always like Nobody Knows, as well as Coming Up and Summer Days Song.

[PhilJS]

Great review John, puts the album nicely into context.
Not my favourite by Paul but plenty there to enjoy.

[robertzastrow]

Always enjoyed McCartney II. Think it's more experimental then McCartney from 1970. Favorite song on it is the closer, "One Of These Days", a beautiful ballad that I wish he had performed in concerts in the years after the album came out. Also like "Bogey Music". Think "Frozen Jap" is funny, considering what happened to him in Japan. Always enjoyed the music video for "Coming Up", with "Beatle Paul" on Bass guitar! However, I prefer the live version of "Coming Up". Have also wondered if the three inside photos of Paul were suppose to be him dressed like John, George and Ringo. In one photo, he's wearing a bathrobe with granny glasses on (John). In another, his face looks gaunt and he has a fake brown mustache on (George). In the last photo, he's holding some type of plastic ring with both hands (Ringo). Think Linda took these photos, as well as the front cover photo, which has Paul with a surprised expression on his face (possibly like a mug shot? LOL!).

[AndrewDixonMusic]

Hi John, always good to see live for this album.

You say you remember the build up and how notable it was that it was solo rather than Wings. Do you remember whether at the time before it was released your overriding thought was excitement about it being solo, or were you more disappointed that it wasn't going to be Wings?

[Bobmacca]

Hi there, John. Great video on a fine album indeed. Even the ' goofing around music' by Paul' is good, that goes to show the talent of the man:) You didn't mention One Of These Days. Do you like it?

[Donci-ulpz]

In Front Parlour there is a motive from the song Let it be